Steel Meridian is one of the six faction syndicates led by Grineer defector Cressa Tal. Comprising ex-Grineer forces born with a genetic flaw that enables them to disobey the Grineer Queens, its goal is to protect and defend what their brothers and sisters would seek to destroy. They seek to undermine the entrenched beliefs of their race and weaken the Grineer's hold in the Origin System by liberating and defending human colonies, although it is unknown whether they are doing this just because of their intense desire to defy their masters or for some form of greater good. Although they are separate from the Grineer, Steel Meridian continues to use of most of their Grineer technology and weaponry, as seen in their Vaykor weapon set and weapon augments.
Tenno who ally themselves with this Syndicate will receive unique Augment Mods for Steel Meridian’s favored weapons after obtaining the title of Protector. The weapons include 
Hek, 
Dual Cleavers, 
Sobek, and 
Miter. The unique effect associated with the weapon mods from this syndicate is Justice.
After obtaining enough Standing to reach the title of General, Tenno can exchange Standing for Augment Mods for Steel Meridian’s favored Warframes, that include 
Atlas, 
Ember, 
Excalibur, 
Frost, 
Garuda, 
Grendel, 
Khora, 
Mesa, 
Nezha, 
Nidus, 
Nova, 
Oberon, 
Rhino, and 
Saryn.
Standing Gain
- Upon initiating into Steel Meridian, the player will receive a Steel Meridian Sigil. Equipping this on a Warframe, in the Arsenal as a Front or Back Regalia, will convert approximately 2.25% of affinity gained into standing.
- Higher tiered Sigils bought from Steel Meridian have a higher conversion multiplier of +5% / +8% / +11% / +13% / +15%.
- Three daily Syndicate Alerts award standing on completion.
- Insignias found within Steel Meridian Syndicate Alerts as interactable objects can be traded for standing in Steel Meridian's enclave. Each alert has 8 medallions, with three rarities awarding
500, 1000, or 5,000 standing. - Earning standing with Steel Meridian increases Red Veil's standing by +50%, but decreases New Loka's standing by -50% and The Perrin Sequence by -100%.
- Daily Standing Cap is shared with all Faction Syndicates.
Ranks
| Rank & Title | Sacrifice | Benefits and Consequences | Standing (Minimum to Maximum) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 5 - General |
Script error: The function "Prime" does not exist. |  500,000 99,000
|
Access to Warframe Augment Mods, Syndicate Weapons, Syndicate Syandana and Syndicate Captura Scenes | 0 to 132,000 |
 4 - Protector |
Script error: The function "Prime" does not exist. | 250,000 70,000
|
Access to Weapon Augment Mods and Orbiter Sculptures | 0 to 99,000 |
 3 - Defender |
 Orokin Catalyst
|
100,000 44,000
|
Access to Squad Health Restore (Large) Blueprint and Archwing Weapon components | 0 to 70,000 |
 2 - Valiant |
Script error: The function "Resource" does not exist. | 50,000 22,000
|
Access to Syndicate Void Relic Pack, partial access to Archwing Weapon components | 0 to 44,000 |
 1 - Brave |
Script error: The function "Resource" does not exist. 2 Morphics | 30,000 5,000
|
Access to Roller Specter | 0 to 22,000 |
 0 - Initiation |
Script error: The function "Resource" does not exist. 1,000 Salvage | 10,000
|
Access to Steel Meridian Sigil | 0 to 5,000 |
 Neutral |
 Forma
|
50,000 0
|
- | -5,000 to 5,000 |
 -1 - Outcast |
Orokin Catalyst
|
100,000 0
|
Hunted by Eximus Roller Squad | -22,000 to 0 |
 -2 - Enemy |
- | - | Hunted by Eximus Roller Platoon | -44,000 to 0 |
Offerings
Trivia
- According to Cephalon Cordylon, whilst Steel Meridian's and The Perrin Sequence's ideology do not conflict, their differing methods of resolving conflict does — one by force and the other by diplomacy which is the main cause of the negative alignment of both parties, although this may also be attributed from the years of xenophobic culture adapted from the Grineer, a form of hate which cannot be alleviated with words alone.
- New Loka's beliefs is what may have put them at opposition with the Steel Meridian, as they do not see Grineer to be of true humanity, a stigma dating back to the Orokin Empire. This is shown through one of Amaryn's quotes during The Silver Grove quest, stating that "the rest of the Earth is polluted by the monstrosities of [the Orokin's] genetic tinkering", slightly hinting to the fact she knows about the Grineer Queens' origins
- On the other hand, Steel Meridian and Red Veil's alliance seems to signify a "sword-and-shield" relationship; The Red Veil seeks out to purge the Origin System of evil, cutting down those who dare harm those whom the Steel Meridian guard.
- After you complete A Man of Few Words, Clem sometimes replaces the Grineer collecting Insignias in the Steel Meridian room.
- Following Operation: Rathuum in Update 18.10 (2016-04-29), the name of Steel Meridian's leader is Cressa Tal.
- This may indicate some correlation between her and Shik Tal, due to their identical surnames.
- Operation: Rathuum's announcement incorrectly called her Cressa Mal.
- Cressa Tal, and indirectly Steel Meridian is the first syndicate to openly support the Tenno in a regular conflict in the Star Chart, mainly the Kela de Thaym bossfight. Ergo Glast and The Perrin Sequence follows this trend as per Operation: Ambulas Reborn.
- Cressa Tal, the leader of Steel Meridian, is the one who tips the Lotus and the Tenno about a group of Defectors, who need help in Defection missions.
- Steel Meridian is the faction that spearheads the rebuilding of Strata Relay (on PC version) during The Pyrus Project.
Notes
- If the player falls from General to Enemy, the player will not be required to sacrifice items/credits when ranking from Enemy to General.
| Syndicates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Relay | Factions |  Arbiters of Hexis •  Cephalon Suda •  New Loka •  Red Veil •  Steel Meridian •  The Perrin Sequence
| |
| Neutral |  Cephalon Simaris •  Conclave
| ||
| Open World | Cetus |  Ostron •  The Quills
| |
| Fortuna |  Solaris United •  Ventkids •  Vox Solaris
| ||
| Necralisk |  Entrati •  Necraloid
| ||
| Star Chart | Chrysalith |  The Holdfasts
| |
| Sanctum Anatomica |  Cavia
| ||
| Drifter's Camp |  Kahl's Garrison
| ||
| Event |  Operational Supply •  Nightwave
| ||
| Standing • Syndicate Medallions • Syndicate Radial Effects | |||